Hank Gruner joined the Connecticut Science Center in 2007 as the Vice President of Programs and Exhibits. He was part of the management team that launched the new Science Center in 2009. His current focus is on strategic expansion of the Center’s programs and exhibits.

Gruner began his career as a Wildlife Research Assistant with the State of Connecticut’s Department of Environmental Protection before moving into the field of informal science education as an environmental scientist at the Children’s Museum Roaring Brook Nature Center. He spent twenty-four years at the Museum developing and implementing programs and establishing statewide science education initiatives including Project SEARCH, a high school water quality monitoring program and the Connecticut Amphibian Monitoring Project, a 13-year citizen science program.

Throughout his career Gruner has continued to remain actively engaged in conservation policy, planning, and research working with state agencies, municipal commissions, consulting firms, and environmental organizations on the conservation of biodiversity. He is considered one of New England’s leading experts on amphibians and reptiles.

Gruner has served on several non-profit boards and science and education oriented advisory committees in the region and has authored various publications. He is a graduate of the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources Management.

His professional interests center on education and conservation policy and planning. Throughout his career he has focused on fostering connections among, schools, science, and community organizations to increase student and public engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).